Canada 1-2 Morocco: Africans top the group and reach the last-16 after a whirlwind start as the Canadians bow out of the World Cup with three defeats in Group F
- Canada suffered its third defeat at the World Cup, losing 2-1 to the Atlas Lions
- The Maple Leafs were hamstrung after an early blunder from GK, Milan Borjan
- Morocco found themselves two to the good before an own goal gave Canada life
- The North Africans saw the game out and celebrated wildly at the final whistle
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Morocco have become the first African side to top a World Cup group and manager Walid Regragui says the team 'made history' with victory over Canada.
After defeating the Maple Leafs 2-1, the Moroccans ensured their passage out of Group F and into the Round of Sixteen with seven points, becoming the second African side to qualify after Senegal, whilst tournament returnees Canada departed Qatar bottom of the group with zero points to their name.
Morocco came into the final Matchday of Group F knowing a win would secure them their ticket into the knockout stages for the first time in thirty-six years, and it didn't take long for the Al Thumama Stadium to erupt as the Atlas Lions went in front in the fourth minute.
![Moroccan players celebrate making the knockout stages for the first time in 36 long years](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/12/01/17/65141579-11490117-image-a-6_1669914830655.jpg)
Moroccan players celebrate making the knockout stages for the first time in 36 long years
![Yousef El-Nesyri sent the Moroccan fans into raptures after scoring his nation's second goal](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/12/01/17/65138543-11490117-image-a-1_1669914491782.jpg)
Yousef El-Nesyri sent the Moroccan fans into raptures after scoring his nation's second goal
Whilst the story of Canada's World Cup will be their lack of efficiency in front of goal, Morocco were having no such problems as on twenty-three minutes, they extended their advantage. Youssef En-Nesyri latched onto a speculative long ball from defender Achraf Hakimi, and after a gut-busting run, the Sevilla striker smashed a fine effort past Borjan at his near post to double Walid Regragui's men's lead.
That goal from En-Nesyri ensured a place in Moroccan footballing history, as he became the first player to score at two separate World Cups for his country, and his manager was full of praise for what his team had achieved, along with some lofty ambitions ahead of the knockout stage.
'Today we made history,' Regragui said. 'We are so happy with the qualification. and I want to say congratulations to the group. I'm so proud of Morocco and the Moroccan people.
'We have a good group, a good mentality and it's time to change our generation. We set ourselves an objective, we can tick the box of getting out of the group.
'But we're not stopping here. We're going to be a difficult team to play, and why not, we can dream about winning the World Cup!'
Canada were able to get back in the match five minutes before half-time after defender Sam Adekugbe's low-cross was diverted into his own net by West Ham's Nayef Aguerd for the first own-goal of the entire tournament.
John Herdman's side were determined to go out on a high, valuable lessons learnt throughout for the CONCACAF side, ahead of joint-hosting the 2026 addition.
![It was a tough night for Canada's main man Alphonso Davies who will now return to Munich](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/12/01/17/65141591-11490117-image-a-4_1669914749024.jpg)
It was a tough night for Canada's main man Alphonso Davies who will now return to Munich
![Despite their best efforts and overt courage, Canada failed to get a point at the '22 World Cup](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/12/01/17/65141593-11490117-image-a-5_1669914780452.jpg)
Despite their best efforts and overt courage, Canada failed to get a point at the '22 World Cup
En-Nesyri thought he'd restored his side's two goal advantage in first half stoppage time with a instinctual volley into the bottom right corner but it was ruled out for offside by Aguerd. The 26-year-old was adjudged to have been in Borjan’s line of vision when En-Nesyri struck the ball.
Alphonso Davies had an opportunity to equalise for the Maple Leafs in the fifty-seventh minute, but the Bayern Munich man's out-stretched foot could only guide the ball off target.
Canada continued to cause Morocco problems, substitute Atiba Hutchinson was inches from bringing his side level in the seventy-first minute, but his header came crashing off the bar, with Alistair Johnston unable to convert from the rebound.
With his team drawing praise from pundits and fans alike, Maple Leafs manager Herdman took the opportunity to reflect on what had been a tournament where Canada announced themselves to the world as a team to look out for in the future.
![Head coach of the Morocco team, Walid Regragui, was joyously thrown into the air postgame](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/12/01/17/65141577-11490117-image-a-7_1669914865241.jpg)
Head coach of the Morocco team, Walid Regragui, was joyously thrown into the air postgame
![As they have so often at this tournament, Morocco's fans dwarfed the support from its rival](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/12/01/17/65136185-11490117-image-a-2_1669914639885.jpg)
As they have so often at this tournament, Morocco's fans dwarfed the support from its rival
'We’ve enjoyed the ride, in each of the three games we’ve had something to celebrate," Herdman said. "We’re a young team developing and it’s been a hell of an experience.
"There’s been some big moments. As a football country we can be proud of the performances. We showed up and in every game we were fearless.
"For all of us we can take a deep breathe and enjoy the experiences. We can celebrate what we achieved here."
Herdman's men battled until the end, but the Moroccans were able to hold on and see out the victory, as they head to the Round of Sixteen as group winners.
Canada's first World Cup in thirty-six years ends pointless, with their results not telling the full story.
![Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech, who was previously banished from the team, collapsed to the pitch following the groundbreaking moment in Moroccan soccer history, in Al Thumama](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/12/01/17/65141583-11490117-image-a-8_1669914911411.jpg)
Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech, who was previously banished from the team, collapsed to the pitch following the groundbreaking moment in Moroccan soccer history, in Al Thumama
![Emotions were high for the Atlas Lions at the final whistle following their seismic achievement](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/12/01/17/65141759-11490117-image-a-9_1669915014747.jpg)
Emotions were high for the Atlas Lions at the final whistle following their seismic achievement
To relive Sportsmail's live blog from Morocco's 2-1 win over Canada, scroll down.
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Morocco survive a spirited Canada!
And what's more they top the group thanks to Romelu Lukaku's lack of proficiency.
Atlas Lions players collapse to the ground in celebration and rightfully so. They'll play the runner up from Group E in the R16.
Morocco have everyone behind the ball as Canada look to end their tournament with some parity.
Even Borjan, the Canadian keeper is up for this corner, but nothing comes of it. They almost concede Canada but Davies wins the ball back before Morocco can shoot.
Four minutes of added time.
What is Bounou doing! He chest a ball before trying to catch it and almost loses it to the speedy Canadian.
That would've been some way to concede an equalizer!
Hakimi comes off for Jabrane as Morocco look to give one of their man charges a brief respite as we slowly creep toward the end of this one.
Morocco with a huge chance on the break but fail to even get a shot away as Hamdallah fails to see a wide-open Aboukhalal.
10 to go here!
Hoilett off for Wotherspoon for Canada.
Morocco make a few of their own. Ziyech and Ounahi for Hamdallah and El Yamiq.
Some game from Amrabat this, no wonder he's being linked with some of Europe's bigger clubs following his performance.
Making a challenge after starting 10 yards back to thwart a Canadian attack is just the level of desperation Morocco need right now.
The Atlas Lions are under the koch.
Hutchinson hits the bar from the corner! Almost all of the ball, but crucially not the whole of it, was across the line.
Johnston tries to knock in the rebound but he can only steer it over. They keep coming
Sure, Canada continue to press. Though this game is really becoming something of a stalemate with the end-to-end flashes of brilliance from Morocco now long gone.
They're merely in a 'see it out' mode.
Boufal and Sabiri off for Aboukhlar and Amallah.
For Canada, Osorio is off for Laryea.
Hutchinson, Kone and David come on for Adekugbe, Kaye and Larin.
Somewhat strange given their current momentum but ultimately does it really matter?
Canada now ramping things up. Hoilett finds Davies on a late run into the box but his outstretched shot couldn't find the target.
Three changes incoming for the Leafs.
Canada looking more composed and certainly not as wide open as they did in the first half.
Though that is largely due to Morocco's willingness to allow Canada to play keep-the-ball given their lack of creativity.
Back and forth action to start the second half.
Certainly a more combative atmosphere inside the stadium. Canada presently controlling possession.
Seems as if Morocco are quite content to let them have it and hit on the break.
The Maple Leafs struggling to find any real openings.
Back underway here. Can Morocco close this out comfortably?
Morocco are 45 minutes away from breaking a 36-year drought.
You can virtually punch their ticket into the Round of 16.
Ziyech and En-Nesyri have the Moroccans ahead, and rightfully so!
Canada are very much still in this despite the evident gulf in class.
As it stands, Morocco are set to top the group with Croatia second, with the Balkan side and Belgian locked in a 0-0 tie at HT.
What seemed to be evolving into a Moroccan procession has since changed.
Canada are right back into this one, despite Morocco's undoubted talent advantage.
Adekugbe gets a yellow and En-Nesyri scores from the free kick! Oh, the flag is up. Shame for the big striker, the volley was exceptional.
Signs of encouragement here for The Maple Leafs here. Though the goal came very much against the run of play, Canada's willingness to get on the ball proves fruitful.
Different atmosphere in the stadium now, far more whistles reigning down from the Moroccan fans.
Canada get one back! Adekugbe who has been very average at the back, puts a slide rule pass into the box.
Aguerd throws out a leg and such was the pace on the initial pass, it goes past the sprawling Bounou
Canada continuing with this high press which looks at the very least, reckless.
Admittedly, why would they do anything other than go for broke in what is their last game until their 2026 bow in their home nation.
Canada once again having the bulk of possession from the off but that won't bother the Moroccan fans and players.
They're making a presence in the stands, plenty of noise from supporters of the Atlas Lions.
En-Nesyri scores! Beautiful, fierce strike past the helpless Borjan.
Everything about the goal is beautiful. The ball, initial touch and then the finish.
Borjan beaten at his near post would be a concern but we're beyond concern after that first goal.
Party in Marrakesh tonight!
The North Americans are in control of possession and have been for the last 5-10 minutes.
Morocco naturally quite content to allow the team in red more of the ball.
The renowned energy of Canada is coming to the fore, without any real threat currently.
Great counter from Canada! Larin speeds down the right before putting a delicious ball in for Buchanan who couldn't get enough on it to direct past Bono.
Junior Hoilett gets a yellow for a crude tackle from behind, looked one out of frustration.
Long free kick which Sabiri hits into the wall, and out for a corner.
Morocco, as it stands, sit top of the group.
They would play the runner-up of Group E, which is currently Japan.
OH WHAT AN ERROR!
Hakim Ziyech scores from a goalkeeping error that would even make Loris Karius cry.
The GK, Borjan, scrambles out and takes a touch which resembled a pass, directly to Ziyech who lifts it into the net from outside the box.
We're underway here in Al Thumama, we'll be sure to keep you across all the action here, as well as score updates from Croatia-Belgium and the resulting permutations.
As the national anthems play, let's take a look at some of the unique operators in the crowd today.
The North Africans are yet to concede at this World Cup, or in their last six games.
Were Canada unable to breach their backline, Morocco would become the first African nation to not concede a goal in the group stages.
Morocco know the Al Thumama well after defeating Belgium 2-0 here on Saturday.
The stadium has a capacity of 44,400 and is located in Al Thumama, Qatar -- approximately 12 miles from Doha.
More history for Canada? Or is it Morocco's turn to achieve something special.
A win today will seal their place in the knockout stages, its first time in 36 long years.
Naturally, it will be a sea of red at the Al Thumama Stadium with both teams primarily known for the same colored jerseys.
It will be some sort of noise from the predominantly Moroccan crowd.
Only the two changes for Morocco with Sabiri coming in for Amallah. Bounou comes back in after a late withdrawal for Mohamedi.
Otherwise, a very strong lineup as you'd expect from the Atlas Lions.
Four changes for Canada, in an expected much-changed lineup given their tournament is mathematically over beyond today.
Laryea, Eustaquio, Hutchinson and David -- a surprise -- all come out, in their place come Adekugbe, Osorio, Hoilett and Kaye.
The World Cup stage was meant to be Jonathan David's coming out party.
Though things haven't gone quite to plan for the Lille striker. Can he show what he has in Ligue 1 against the Moroccans?
Alphonso Davies has been a revelation for his team at the World Cup.
The Bayern Munich man notched his country's first-ever WC finals goal. Although his penalty miss vs. Belgium at 0-0 has proved costly.
Can Davies make it two goals in his last two?
Achraf Hakimi, like Ziyech, is at the heart of everything for Morocco.
Look out for him and Saints winger to be putting Canada under pressure from the off.
Hakim Ziyech is the name for the Atlas Lions. While he may not be shining for Chelsea, he is undoubtedly the crown jewel in the North African side.
He has one assists through two games this tournament and is looking likelier than most to add to it today.
So first thing first, Canada is out whether it loses 10-0 or wins 5-0. Two defeats by Belgium and Croatia mean they will head back to their hotel and pack their bags after this game.
Morocco need a win, to put it simply, but a tie will also do. But if they lose and Canada cause a surprise - and this has been a World Cup of surprises - they need Croatia to beat Belgium to go through. If they lose and Belgium win, they are out.
Easy as that, right?!
Canada are playing for pride, Morocco play for the last-16 of the World Cup. This could well be a thriller - if the African side advance, a European heavyweight in either pre-tournament favorite Belgium or 2018 runner up Croatia will fall.
As ever, Sportsmail will bring you all the action as it happens.
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